SMITHFIELD—George Shears Sr., 86, died March 27, 2008.

Mr. Shears was born Nov. 5, 1921, in Smithfield. He left Smithfield at an early age and lived in Norfolk and Baltimore for awhile.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and after serving his country, he moved his family to Philadelphia, Pa. While living in Philadelphia, he attended and graduated from automobile mechanic school.

He also lived in Keyport, N.J., where he worked for many years and retired as a drywall finisher.

Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Lewis-Rush (John); two sons, Lawrence Shears and George F. Shears Jr. (Eunice); sister, Virginia Shears Jones; and brother, Thomas Shears.

A funeral service was held Monday at Main Street Baptist Church. Interment was in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk.

Pretlow & Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.